Platen press



Aug. 27, 1968 F. GRIVET 3,398,679

PLATEN PRESS Filed April 17, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.4.

Aug. 27, 1968 GRIVET 3,398,679

PLATEN PRESS Filed April 17, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 F. GRIVET PLATEN PRESS Aug. 27, 1968 Fi led April 17, 1967 TN? :1: 3 1 u u m HF on me be mm I II II. lil w i1 a .lo 9 N mw be J 1 H 8 8 5 ON 4% @ng k l 2 .MTB MW Q A J 1 Q m. 8 2. ocm N? m? 8 8 n r w L United States Patent 3,398,679 PLATEN PRESS Francis Grivet, Excublens, Vaud, Switzerland, assignor to J. Bobst and Son S.A., Prilly, near Lausanne, Switzerland, a corporation of Switzerland Filed Apr. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 631,447 Claims priority, application Switzerland, Apr. 15, 1966,

5,653/ 66 Claims. (Cl. 100-53) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A platen press in which a tool holding frame is introduced between the upper and lower platens of the press and is secured to the upper platen in a predetermined position so as to operate on sheet material fed between the platens. The tool holding frame is centered in said predetermined position by means of an extensible element mounted on the upper platen and received in a hole in the tool holding frame, a member being movable with the extensible element for permitting operation of the press only if the frame is centered and said member does not contact the frame.

Brief summary of the invention The invention relates to platen presses having a fixed platen and a movable one adapted for processing sheet material such as paper or cardboard, for the purpose of cutting, punching, or corrugating the sheet material. Each of the platens is fitted with a frame for the processing of the sheet material. The frame for the upper fixed platen is a tool holder and it supports the tools which process the sheet material, while the frame on the lower movable platen is a counter-plate.

It is indispensable that these frames occupy an accurate predetermined position and that they are protected against any damage likely to arise from a wrong manipulation, in particular an untimely starting of the press, when the frames are not in proper position. This is particularly important with respect to the tool holding frame.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a device insuring the centering of the tool holding frame, as well as its protection against the consequences of improper handling.

The invention also contemplates the centering of the counter-plate cooperating with the tool holding frame.

The first objective is achieved by an arrangement wherein the tool holding frame comprises at two opposite edges, means insuring a predetermined position thereof in relation to an element fixed with the upper platen and including for one of said edges, a frame housing adapted to accommodate an axially movable centering member integral with the platen and associated with a mechanical part accompanying it in its travel with the object of being placed in the trajectory of the frame, but immediately outside the latter when the frame is in centered position, the centering member being operated by a pressure fluid acting simultaneously on the press, said centering member being elfective to impede starting of the press as long as said member is not in a locking position of the frame in its centered position.

In this position, the pressure fluid may simultaneously be utilized for the application and maintainence of the centered frame against the platen.

This maintainence may be by mechanical means, or by a combination of mechanical means and pneumatic means and wherein in the latter case, the centered frame is mechanically urged against the upper platen and at the same time is subjected to a suction pressure between the frame and platen.

It is also possible according to the invention to center and secure the counter-plate to the other platen by sim ilar means, with the exception of the mechanical part accompanying the platen and passing on the outside of the frame section, due to the fact that the counter-plate rests on the lower platen.

The assembly of the centering, fixation and safety means of the two frames may be controlled by a hydraulic circuit according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawing FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view, in perspective, illustrating a portion .of a press showing the problem to be solved in positioning a tool holding frame relative to the upper fixed platen of the press;

FIGURE 2 is a side view, in elevation, of a portion of the press showing a centering device for the tool holding frame in inoperative position;

FIGURE 3 shows the tool holding frame in locked and centered position;

FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a hydraulic control for the centering device;

FIGURES 5 and 6 are views similar to those of FIGS. 2 and 3, showing some features of the device;

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic illustration similar to that of FIG. 4, but with the addition of a device for clamping the frame against the platen;

FIGURE 8 is a detailed perspective view to a larger scale of a part of the tool holding frame;

FIGURE 9 is a view in elevation of a portion of the movable lower platen and of centering means of a counterplate lying on the latter; and

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the centering and fixation means of the tool holding frame and the counterplate, and safety means adapted to protect these two members from untimely starting of the press, should they be incorrectly placed.

Detailed descritpion of the invention In FIG. 1 are seen the upper platen 1 and the lower platen 2 of a press. A tool holding frame 3 is introduced between the platens and secured to one thereof in a fixed predetermined position relative thereto.

The upper platen 1 moves up and down in relation to the movable platen 2, and it is contemplated that the upper platen will receive the tool holding frame 3.

The frame 3 is provided with suitable means at its opposite sides so as to allow centering with respect to platen 1.

The frame 3 is inserted between the platens in the direc tion of the arrow 4, the front side of the frame 3 having a fork-like projection 5. The projection 5 is adapted to cooperate with a rod which is solid with the platen 1 and which serves to center the front side of the frame laterally, Without influencing its position in the inserting direction. The rod is not shown, but it is inserted into the fork of projection 5 without clearance. Opposite the fork 5, the frame 3 has a lug 6 with a hole 7.

The platen 1 supports a stem 12 in axially movable position so that the stem 12 may be inserted into the hole 7. This engagement of stem 12 in hole 7 combined with the engagement of fork 5, will guarantee a predetermined position of the frame 3 in relation to the platen 1.

This disposition is represented in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2 the frame 3 is represented in dashed and dotted line in the course of being introduced between the platen, whereas in FIG. 3 the frame 3 has been introduced between the platen and centered.

Fixed to the platen 1 is a cylinder 8, containing a piston to which a rod 9 is secured. Rod 9 supports an angle member 10 having a small leg fixed to rod 9 and extending in a plane perpendicular to the rod, whereas the long leg of-mernben extends parallel tethe-eylinder axis;--

The small leg is adapted to contact the head 11 of the stem 12 which is guided in a block 13 integral with the platen 1. The stem 12 is subjected to the action of arir'awback-spring. tending to lift the. head..11 and thereby. the stem 12in the directionof the cylinder 8.- v

In the inoperative position-of the stern as shownin FIG. 2, the stem 12 and thelong leg of the angle member 10 are outside the path of the frame 3, which can befreely introduced under the platenl inithe direction -of:the

arrow4. I i

When the frame 3 is introduced beneath platen 1, a pressure fluid, such .as air or oil, is admitted in the cylinder 8, so as to push'the piston therein in the direction of the head 11 and obtain the position shown inFIG. 3 in which the slightly conical lower end of the stem. 12 is introduced into the hole 7 of thelug-6, soas to guide the frame 3 and to complete the centeringthereof. In this position,the long legof. the member 10 passes adjacent the'lug 6 without contacting it. v v t The illustration in FIG. 4 shows how the. device described is utilized as a safety device, allowing the starting of the press only when the frame 3 is centered.

Inthis' respect, the fiuid acting on the piston'of cylinder 8 arrives through a conduit or pipe 14. A second conduit 15 extends laterally from the cylinder 8 and is.connected to a small cylinder 16.

- The conduit 15 is located in. cylinder 8 so that the piston therein normally "blocks conduit 15, but exposes it when the frame 3 has been centered by the extension-of rod 9. At that moment, the fluid acts also on the piston of the small cylinder 16 and brings about the closing of a switch 17 in a supply circuit 18 for the press, suchthat thepress will operate only when there is fluid under pressure in the conduit 15.

The control illustrated in FIG. 4 has been considered to be operated hydraulically; however, it could also be pneumatic. Moreover, the control can be electrically operated through the use of electromagnets and relays for instance.

The angle member 10 also serves the function of an additional safety device, as explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In FIG. 5, the frame 3 is assumed to be only partly introduced in the press. In this case, the press should not be allowed to start. This is made possible by the fact that the stem 12 abutting against the frame 3 prevents the lowermounting-gauge-will be used-:toreproduce the =-centering conditions of the press for their preparing and starting.

A counter-plate 24 on the lower platen 2 will be centered by means similar, to .those described hereinabove with respect to the frame 3 'and the -upper platen 1. For examplg as -shown .in FIG. .9, the counter-plate23; is disposedabov'e plate 2 andethe front part, or the;;counterplate will be shaped like=the,frame of FIG. .8 xcept for stops 22.*Thecounter-plate-has a lug 2'4 with a hole in which can lye-inserted acentering'rOd 25 solid-with n piston moving in the cylinder 26, itself fixed to the platen 2. The piston is driven by fluid uiiderpressure from conduit 27. The pressurefluid can, flowthrough the conduit 28 when the piston has reached the centering position of the counter-plate; \i/itl'rthe a'im, as previbil'sly described, to act on auxiliary, fixation means-for the counter-plate and thereby securethe ,counter-plate23to lower platen .2. As a safety pleasure, thecylinder 26 and its piston will be of, insufiigfint str angth ,to lift the-.counter-plate-23. Thereby, it is not-possible for the-pistontoraise anoncentered counter-plate and allow the starting ofthe press withoutthe counter-plate being in proper working position. h v;

On theopposite sideofthe lug 24,- 'the counter-plate will be guided.exactly-as sh0wn in FIG, l for the tool holding frame, i.e. by means of a fork such as 5 anda guiding rod. The counter-plate can also be guided by stops integral withtheplatenfor stopping the counterplate in properposition,

There is diagrammatically represented in FIG. 10 a control circuit by which the centering and fixation of the tool holding frame and the counter-plate can be carried out together and with complete safety, The reference numbers herein refer to the same elementsas in the fig"- u'res-previously described. Y Y

In operation, when valve29 'i's opened,'a source of fluid 30' under pressure is put into"communication with the cylinder 8 through conduit 14. The'stem :12 is displaced and the frame 3 is center'ed by the insertion of stem 12 into hole 7. When the' stem' 12 is displaced, thecorresponding piston 'uncovers the conduit '15 and the fluid under pressure passes through 'conduit'21 and feeds the cylinders 20Whe'reby the frame 3 isurgedagainstthe plate'n'by "means of catches "or hooks 19 as 'previously described'At the same tim'eand through cylinder 16fand switch 17', a portion 18 'oftiie press supplyfcir uit is "closed;

ing of the rod 9, so that, as shown in FIG. 4'switch'17 remains open and the press cannot be operated.

load, while making sure that the frame 3 is not'introduced therein. during the running. In order to start the press it is sufiicient to place the cylinder 8 under pressure and thereby lower the anglemember 10 which, as shown in FIG. 6, prevents passage of the frame 3 between the platen.

Once the frame 3 has been correctly positioned between the platen, it is necessary to secure it in place and maintainvit in secured position.

FIGS. 1 and 7 show how this operation can be performed by means of catches or hooks 19 operated by pistons moving in cylinders 20, fixed to the platen 1 and receivingfluid under pressure through conduits 21. The cylinders 20 are fed with pressure fluid from conduit 14 under the control of cylinder 8 via conduits 15 and 21. Thus, it is possible tofeed. the cylinders 20 with pressure fluid at the same time that cylinder 16 is activated to close switch 17.

FIG. .8 shows stops or tappets 22 adjoining the lug 6 of the frame 3. The stops 22, cooperate for instance, with the platen arris, to fix the position in which the stem' 12 can be inserted into the hole 7.

- Since one press can accommodate different tools, i.e., different frames 3, these will be: of similar size and a The closing of the 'entire press supply circuit however, depends, and as it will appear later,"on the simultaneous closure of thetwo'other' safety circuits 18' and 18?;

'When the" cylinder 16 receivesfluid,fanother cylinder 31 also receives fluid. The corresponding'travel of its pistonbrings'aborit the'closin'g'bf thefeeding circuit 32 of'a motor 33, which 'starts'the operation of "a" vacuum p p I 4 Y Through a cond'uit3 5, this pumpacts on suction or vent apertures 36, arranged in the upper platen,"to suck and fiatten the tool holding frame against the bed of platen 1. At the same timefthe vacuum pump brings about the elbsu-re'of the circuit 18 through cylinder 37. Thus, the tool holding frame 13 is centered and immobilized and the two controlling circuits-lsf'an'd 18 are closed, 18" stilbbe'ing open; The press therefore cannot be started. I

On the other' hand, when thevalve 38is' opened, fluid under pressure will be sent to the cylinder 26 through the conduit 27. The piston 'rod 25 then centers and locks the counter-plate-23; asprevious described; The'mover'nent of the piston in cylinder 26 brings about the feeding of conduit 28 leadingto 'the cylinder 39 the piston'of which causes the closure of the"'circ'uit"18" ith'rough switch 40. Thus, only when all the tools are in place and centered will thecontrolling'circuits18, 18'-and 18" be-closed and thereby allow operation of the press.

If one of the pistons of the cylinders 8 or 26 iSnot shifted to a centering position, one or the other of the circuits 18 and 18' remains open and the starting of the press is prevented.

The described arrangement thus insures an obilgatdry correct positioning of the tool assembly and the perfect application of the tool holding frame against the bed of the movable upper platen.

Finally, it is obvious that the arrangements adopted are also applicable to a press whose upper platen would be movable and the lower fixed, and even for two platens simultaneously movable.

What is claimed is:

1. A platen press having upper and lower platens and adapted for receiving a tool holding frame and a countersupport frame between said platens for the performance of an operation on a sheet of material, said press comprising means for positioning the tool holding frame in a predetermined location with respect to one of said platens, the latter means including a centering element secured to said one platen and axially movable between a retracted inoperative positioning and an extended operative position in which it can engage the tool holding frame in said predetermined location, and means for operating said centering element and including a member movable therewith so as to be in the path of movement of the tool holder frame but out of contact therewith when the tool holding frame is in said predetermined location and the centering element is extended, the latter said means being operative to enable operation of the press only if said centering element is in extended position and the movable member fails to contact the tool holder frame.

2. A press as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tool holding frame has opposite ends and is provided with a hole at one end for receiving the centering element in its extended position.

3. A press as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tool holding frame includes a guide fork at the other of the ends thereof adapted for engaging, without play, a guide member integral with said one platen.

4. A press as claimed in claim 1 wherein said member which is movable with the centering element is dimensioned so as to prevent extension of the centering element if said member contacts the tool holder frame, whereas once said centering element is extended, the said member will be in the path of movement of the tool holder frame so as to prevent its insertion between the platens should it be disposed outside of said platens.

5. A press as claimed in claim 1 comprising means coupled to the means operating said centering element for holding the tool holding frame against said one platen when the centering element is in extended position.

6. A press as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means for operating said centering element comprises a cylinder fixed to said one platen, and a piston in said cylinder for driving the centering element, said movable member being secured to said piston, a conduit for the supply of pressure fluid to said cylinder, normally open switch means for controlling the operation of the press, and a second conduit coupled to the cylinder and to the switch means and the means for holding the tool holding frame against said one platen, said piston blocking the passage of pressure fluid to said second conduit until said piston is in a position in which the centering element is extended in operative position at which time the pressure fluid closes said switch means and activates the means for holding the tool holding frame against said one platen, whereby simultaneously the press is started and the tool holding frame is held against said one platen.

7. A press as claimed in claim 1 comprising means on the other of the platens for engaging the counter support frame in a predetermined position relative thereto.

8. A press as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for engaging the counter support frame comprises a device operated by fluid pressure, and fluid pressure operated switch means for controlling operation of the press, the latter switch means normally being open and coupled to said device, for being supplied with fluid pressure to close the switch means when the counter support frame is in said predetermined position.

9. A press as claimed in claim 8 wherein said means for engaging the counter support frame comprises a piston operated by said device operated by fluid pressure, said counter support frame having a hole in which said piston is received when the counter support frame is in said predetermined position, said device which is operated by fluid pressure having a strength which is sufficiently low so as to be unable to lift the counter support frame with said piston should the latter be misaligned with said hole therein.

10. A press as claimed in claim 1 comprising suction means, operated by the means which operates the centering element, for applying the tool holding frame against said one platen when the latter frame is in said predetermined position and the centering element is in operative position.

References Cited 'UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,064,511 11/1962 Allander. 3,167,992 2/1965 Kul'y 83-700 3,188,899 6/ 1965 Cederleaf. 3,225,686 12/1965 Clements. 3,285,115 11/1966 Cederleaf 83-698 FOREIGN PATENTS 633,234 12/1961 Canada.

777,110 6/ 1957 Great Britain.

939,551 10/ 1963 Great Britain.

BILLY J. WILHITE, Primary Examiner. 

